Japanese Islands Struck by Two Successive Typhoons
The Izu archipelago have faced yet another severe impact as Typhoon Nakri moved across the region on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which hit seven days prior.
Immediate Impact on Hachijojima Island
Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to approximately 220 residences after the storm brought an hour of rainfall totaling 37mm and gusts of up to 95mph (152km/h). Airport operations were disrupted, public facilities harmed, and intense rains caused ground slides across the island chain. The storm also generated 9-metre waves, creating dangerous coastal conditions. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in the Kanagawa region, three men were swept away while fishing, with one fatality reported.
The Evolution of Nakri
Nakri has since transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, losing strength while traveling east over cooler north Pacific waters, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.
Remembering Halong's Impact
A week earlier, Halong had unleashed over 200mm of precipitation within three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By the late morning of the previous Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The storm's leftovers then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.
Significant Harm in Alaska
The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. One person died, houses were ruined, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. The state underwent one of the largest airlifts in its history to evacuate displaced residents. Halong remains one of the most powerful storms the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was driven by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which provided extra heat and moisture.
Double Trouble in Mexico
Meanwhile, the country endured a double blow last week as the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond combined, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across the central and eastern areas. Steered by a dip in the jet stream, the two weather events struck the same zone one after another. The first deluge from Priscilla left the ground saturated, intensifying flooding when Raymond arrived. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. By Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 remain missing. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with standing water causing health worries in isolated areas.
